Injectables

Cosmetic dermatology has undergone an exciting revolution as more and more non-invasive treatments are available to help patients fight the aging process. Men and women are interested in looking their best with little downtime and without going under the knife.
One of the most exciting non-invasive treatments available to patients is the use of injectables – including dermal fillers, Botox Cosmetic® injections, other neurotoxins, Kybella® and many more.

The facial aging process varies from person to person. The main causes are changes in bone density, loss of fat and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Anti-aging prevention coupled with minimally invasive facial cosmetic treatments can be the key to lessening the signs of aging.

Today, doctors have a better understanding of what causes facial aging, and are able to address signs of aging like nasolabial folds, volume loss and deep facial lines or wrinkles to provide better results using injectable solutions like Botox or Dysport®, hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen-based stimulators and fillers, and even naturally injected fat.

The injectable revolution is the driving force behind the increase in non-invasive cosmetic treatments, and advancements in the use of injectables have come a long way in preventing and reversing the visible signs of aging.

Dr. Karcher has won acclaim for her use of injectables to achieve great results for patients without any telltale signs that cosmetic work has been done. Dr. Karcher believes no two patients are alike and can create a targeted treatment plan for each patient.

Injectables

Worry lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines and neck bands are easily treated with anti-wrinkle muscle relaxants for a more youthful appearance. Injectables like Botox, Dysport and Xeomin® block signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can no longer contract which causes wrinkles to relax and soften.

How long does it last?
It all depends on which injectable is used, but generally injectables like Botox, Dysport and Xeomintake a few days to set in and you gradually see results kick in. Visible results can last about three to six months but results vary from person-to-person.

Side effects?
These injectables have a great safety record but side effects can include allergic reactions, rash and other side effects. For more information, please contact Dr. Karcher for a consultation.

Dermal (Facial) Fillers

As we age, facial volume diminishes and wrinkles and folds begin to appear. Those “smile lines” around the eyes, “parentheses” around the mouth and hollowness under the eyes can be smoothed and plumped instantly for a more youthful appearance with fillers. For the lower face, dermal fillers can smooth the chin, fill in marionette lines, restore a youthful jaw line, plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, augment cheeks and temples, even plump earlobes and hands and improve the appearance of recessed scars.

How long does it last?
In general, the results from most injectable facial fillers are temporary; commonly lasting from a few months to about a year. This depends on the type of facial fillers or filler injections used. For optimal results, additional treatment sessions are encouraged. There are also a new crop of facial fillers, such as Bellafill®, that offer results up to five years.

Side effects?
Fillers have a great safety record with minimal side effects but each person is different. Any soft tissue filler can cause side effects. However, most side effects associated with soft tissue fillers happen shortly after injection and most go away in less than two weeks. Swelling and pain after hand treatment may last a month or more. In some cases side effects may appear later. Prevent possible bruising or swelling by taking care to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Vioxx, etc.), aspirin, Vitamin E, or Ginko Biloba one week prior to treatment.